{"id":2934,"date":"2018-09-19T16:01:21","date_gmt":"2018-09-19T15:01:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/magazine\/?p=2934"},"modified":"2026-01-30T16:15:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T16:15:29","slug":"best-sailing-websites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/en\/best-sailing-websites\/","title":{"rendered":"From Novice to Nautical \u2013 the Best Sailing Websites"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It\u2019s never too late to discover your inner captain. Whether you\u2019ve already booked a yacht in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/en\/boat-charter\/premium-partner-croatia\/\">Croatia<\/a>, are browsing flotillas in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/en\/search\/?referrer_namespace=boat-charter&amp;referrer_slug=premium-partner&amp;page=1&amp;location=italy\" rel=\"nofollow\">Italy<\/a>, or simply daydreaming about sailing through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/en\/search\/?location=cyclades&amp;referrer_namespace=boat-charter&amp;referrer_slug=premium-partner-croatia&amp;page=1\" rel=\"nofollow\">Cyclades<\/a>, getting started on the right foot makes all the difference. For first-time sailors, the internet can feel overwhelming with endless videos, scattered tips, and opinions that often contradict each other. That\u2019s why finding the best sailing websites is so important. These curated, expert-backed resources offer structure, clarity, and confidence for beginners. They aren\u2019t just helpful links\u2014they\u2019re lifelines to real, practical knowledge that prepares you for life on the water. The best sailing websites guide you step-by-step, helping you understand safety, navigation, gear, and weather before you even set sail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those new to sailing, the best sailing websites do more than overviews; they prep you for real trips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Find trusted sources for checklists, routes and how-tos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These sites are go-to tools for learning the essentials from sailing safety to weather tips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ideal for anyone booking their first boat, flotilla or charter without feeling clueless<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t rely on one blog or a YouTube rabbit hole, the best sailing websites have real resources meant for beginners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ol><li><a href=\"#why-sailing-websites-do-matter\">Why Sailing Websites Do Matter<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#american\">The Best Sailing Websites For Beginners<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#pontoonpedia\">DiscoverBoating.com \u2013 Accessible, Practical, and Confidence-Building<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#cruising\">SailingEurope Blog \u2013 Real Itineraries, Med-Based Planning<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#yachting\">NauticEd \u2013 Course-Led, Tech-Forward, Resource-Rich<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#discoverboating\">SailNet Forums \u2013 Real Sailors, Real (Unfiltered) Answers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#lasersailingtips\">Cruising World (Education Section) \u2013 Well-Written, Serious Content<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#bell\">What You\u2019ll Learn on These Sites That You Won\u2019t Get Elsewhere<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-sailing-websites-do-matter\">Why Sailing Websites Do Matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Beginner sailors need structure, not just snippets \u2013 the right sailing websites walk you through A to Z<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019ll find full sailing checklists, tips, and things new boaters don\u2019t generally think of<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Longform reading makes more sense when you\u2019re starting out than TikTok, YouTube, or pro-reels, you don\u2019t even know what you don\u2019t know<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can learn at your own pace and print things out for offline use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many of the best sailing websites are linked to active communities and update you with weather, port info, or local laws<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"american\">The Best Sailing Websites For Beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-6f9092d5 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hoofersailing.org\/asa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Sailing Association (ASA)<\/a> \u2013 Official, Structured, and Trusted<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The ASA is one of the best sailing websites in the U.S. for beginners looking for formal guidance. Their full certification track, starting with ASA 101, is ideal if you&#8217;re working towards a license or just want structured learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn key terminology, knots, sail handling and safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offers quizzes, checklists, and articles tailored for total beginners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Great for skippered charter guests who want to feel more prepared<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: checklist-driven learners, U.S.-based charterers, those seeking certification<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pontoonpedia\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverboating.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DiscoverBoating.com<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Accessible, Practical, and Confidence-Building<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for a friendly intro to life on the water? DiscoverBoating.com is one of the best sailing websites for absolute beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Covers sailing safety, gear basics, docking, and more<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Highly visual and non-intimidating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perfect for cautious planners or families going on their first boat trip<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: visual learners, first-time sailors, nervous newbies<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cruising\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sailingeurope.com\/blog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SailingEurope Blog<\/a> \u2013 Real Itineraries, Med-Based Planning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re chartering in the Mediterranean, the SailingEurope blog ranks high among the best sailing websites for location-specific advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breaks down 7-day routes in Croatia, Greece, and Italy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tips on provisioning, seasonal sailing, and port etiquette<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offers sample itineraries ideal for flotilla or bareboat newbies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: Med-bound beginners, flotilla sailors, first-time charterers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/newsletter-bg.jpg\" alt=\"best sailing websites\n\" class=\"wp-image-21079 lazyload\" title=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 3264px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 3264\/726;\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"yachting\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nauticed.org\/?srsltid=AfmBOoqmdALMod6t7DWAk_etgShrmLdBORVM5W9oEvbpphge8Ugx4vMN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NauticEd<\/a> \u2013 Course-Led, Tech-Forward, Resource-Rich<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Global and digitally-driven, NauticEd offers downloadable courses, checklists, and practical tools like MOB drills and nav planning PDFs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Works well on mobile for use on the water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Combines theory with real-life use cases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perfect for tech-savvy learners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Best for<\/strong>: app-first learners, DIY sailors, international crews<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"discoverboating\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sailnet.com\/forums\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SailNet Forums<\/a> \u2013 Real Sailors, Real (Unfiltered) Answers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Want real answers from real sailors? SailNet is one of the best sailing websites for no-nonsense Q&amp;A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Forum-style advice on everything from anchoring to provisioning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unfiltered feedback based on real-life experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A goldmine for judgement calls, gear comparisons and local tips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: curious questioners, independent learners, liveaboard dreamers<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2016-01-28-at-14.20.50_nb7a3s.png\" alt=\"best sailing websites\" class=\"wp-image-2969 lazyload\" title=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 945px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 945\/641;\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lasersailingtips\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cruising World <\/a>(Education Section) \u2013 Well-Written, Serious Content<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The education section at Cruising World features deep-dive articles on everything from offshore prep to weather safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn about emergency procedures, heavy weather handling, and advanced planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Articles mix technical advice with storytelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serious content that stays beginner-friendly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: advanced beginners, offshore planners, prep-focused minds<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bell\">What You\u2019ll Learn on These Sites That You Won\u2019t Get Elsewhere<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How to choose the right sailing route based on your crew\u2019s experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Printable sailing checklists for safety, food, gear, and communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The first steps toward licensing or picking a beginner-friendly charter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Essential sailing safety info like radio basics, emergency drills, and life jacket laws<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weather tools, sailing terms, gear guides and port etiquette \u2014 explained simply<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2016-01-28-at-15.11.06_asy3va.png\" alt=\"best sailing websites\n\" class=\"wp-image-2978 lazyload\" title=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 776px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 776\/515;\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-5873c2ef gb-headline-text\">Don\u2019t Skip the Footer \u2013 Why the Best Tips Are Often Hidden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The homepage is flashy. The footer is where the gold is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Most <em>best sailing websites<\/em> tuck their PDFs, route planners, and real guides in the footer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look for \u201cResources,\u201d \u201cDownloads,\u201d or \u201cFor Skippers\u201d \u2014 these often lead to offline maps or safety charts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The best content usually isn\u2019t in your face \u2014 it\u2019s practical, not promotional<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-08572184 gb-headline-text\">Map, Prep, Sail: What to Do After You Bookmark These Sites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Choose your sailing region and find a realistic route from one of the best sailing websites<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Print a sailing checklist based on your boat type and number of guests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide on your boat style \u2014 monohull, catamaran, skippered or bareboat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit Borrow A Boat to filter charters by location, size, and type<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research first, then sail \u2014 the better the prep, the better the trip<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The best sailors are the ones who come prepared . Start with the right websites and then book your boat with Borrow A Boat. The best sailing websites give you the confidence to chart your course, whether you&#8217;re planning a short weekend sail or a full-blown yacht charter. From weather tips to safety drills and gear checklists, these resources empower you to make smart decisions on the water. Once you\u2019ve explored your options and feel ready to take the helm or relax on a skippered trip you\u2019ll find that Borrow A Boat has the ideal vessel for your needs. Prepare well, sail better, and enjoy every nautical mile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s never too late to discover your inner captain. Whether you\u2019ve already booked a yacht in Croatia, are browsing flotillas in Italy, or simply daydreaming about sailing through the Cyclades, getting started on the right foot makes all the difference. For first-time sailors, the internet can feel overwhelming with endless videos, scattered tips, and opinions &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"From Novice to Nautical \u2013 the Best Sailing Websites\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/en\/best-sailing-websites\/#more-2934\" aria-label=\"More on From Novice to Nautical \u2013 the Best Sailing Websites\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":11672,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2934","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","infinite-scroll-item","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2934","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2934"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2934\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2934"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2934"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.borrowaboat.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2934"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}